Connell was founded in 1883 as a railroad stop called Palouse Junction. The city’s history, public art and parks offer different ways to shape your stay. Depending on whether you’re more interested in a museum, sculptures or outdoor recreation, you can tailor your search for a place to stay accordingly.
Art and trails
The Connell Community Bike Path runs parallel to U.S. Highway 395, is just under a mile long and has four access points. Six steel flower sculptures called “Prairie Flowers, Potato & Wheat” stand along the walking and biking path. This offers a way to combine public art with a specific route, without needing an extensive sightseeing itinerary.
Along Columbia Avenue is Tom Otterness’s playful bronze sculpture series “Wild Life,” with benches and tables complementing the installation. The “Stalk of Wheat” sculpture is on a footpath beside Highway 395, near Pioneer Park and East Elm Street. A hiking brochure with a trail map is available for a walk to murals and sculptures, and can help you find your way between these art sites.
Museum and local history
The North Franklin Heritage Museum includes a restored 1904 church in the Gothic Revival style. The museum is open Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; appointments are available at other times. Check visiting hours before you arrive.
The collection includes historical artifacts, pictures, costumes, tools and furniture. It also includes DVDs of oral histories, books on local history, maps, brochures, obituaries and school photos. The collection offers different ways into the local past, from personal memories and everyday objects to maps and books.
The Harvest History Mural also depicts a historical subject. The Downtown Development Group project was inspired by a photograph provided by Feathers Thompson in 1928. It shows a large team of draft horses in front of an early combine harvester. The image depicts both forms of agricultural work together, adding another local history topic to a museum visit.
Parks and recreation
Historic Old Town Park at 350 W. Adams Street was Connell’s first community park. Its facilities include public restrooms, a half-court basketball court, a volleyball court, swings and climbing bars. Along with its historical significance, the park offers several specific recreational activities.
Connell’s skatepark is in Pioneer Park at 341 E. Birch Street. A park at the intersection of East Clark Street and North Chelan has a large soccer field with a goal and a rebound net. These places add sports facilities to the art and history options; consider them as separate points of interest rather than assuming a particular order.
Getting there and events
A Washington State Department of Transportation update dated April 29, 2026, lists the Wheat Line intercity bus route as connecting Connell with Pasco, Eltopia, Othello, Moses Lake, Ritzville and Spokane. Check the schedule before traveling so you can plan your journey around current times.
The Connell Fall Festival is an annual community event that has been celebrated for more than 100 years. If the festival is a reason for your trip, check the event dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: West Pasco, Pasco.
Return to the main travel overview: Franklin County.
